A soft toy monkey handed to a crying child may seem like a small gesture, but for Janet, a Willetton volunteer, helping people is part of her daily routine.
The longtime volunteer at Good Sammy’s Willetton store spends a few hours there six days a week, greeting customers, chatting with regulars and helping families find what they need.
Janet first began volunteering with Good Sammy in 2016 at its Booragoon store before later moving to Willetton. A former aged care worker who later ran her own business in Onslow, she said volunteering gave her a new sense of purpose after retirement.
“Volunteering at Good Sammy provided human interaction, fulfilment and a sense of belonging and appreciation,” she said.
One recent interaction highlights why Janet enjoys volunteering.
Janet noticed a young child crying in a pram while his mother was browsing clothing in the store. She went to the toy section, returned with a plush monkey and handed it to the child.
“The monkey made the little one smile, and that made my day too,” Janet said.
“His mother was so grateful for soothing her child.”
The moment reflected the approach Janet brings to volunteering, which she said is about connecting with people and making them feel welcome.
Janet said she enjoys meeting people every day and has built friendships with many customers over the years.
“I love coming in every day, just for two to three hours,” she said.
“It provides purpose and connection for me and I recognise that there are some really lonely people around that enjoy my conversation.
“I love being there for people and I love having jokes with some of my regular customers.”
She jokingly describes herself as the store’s “self-appointed customer relations officer” and makes a point of greeting customers as they walk through the door. She also enjoys spending time in the children’s clothing and toy section.
She said the volunteer team had become like a second family.
“Connection, sense of belonging and it makes me happy,” Janet said.
Store manager Declan said Janet was well-known among customers and often spent time chatting with people throughout the store.
“Janet is a prime example of who a volunteer is to our store,” he said.
“Her visibility on the floor is an example of willingness to engage, as well as bringing a warm dimension to the store for our regular customers.”
Declan said Janet was known for remembering customers and making time for conversations, with some shoppers she met while volunteering at the Booragoon store still stopping at Willetton to see her.
He said the store’s volunteer team included retirees, school students and supported volunteers.
Janet believes volunteering has improved her own life as much as it has helped others.
“I look forward to the purpose and family I work with,” she said.
“I love the social connection, sense of value and fulfilment.
“I feel it gives me longevity. I’ve had a job with purpose to go to every day, and I love getting out every day.”
Her advice to anyone considering volunteering is simple.
“Absolutely, just do it,” Janet said.
“It is so rewarding and fulfilling.”
